GLX Sedan

Compare Dealer Clearance Prices and SAVE

Review

1995
Volkswagen
Jetta III Review

Reliable and safe, straight from Germany.

Reviewed by Automotive on
12/20/1995

Overview

The 1995 Jetta III is a compact car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen, and sold across various markets around the world. The Jetta was introduced into Volkswagen’s passenger car lineup in 1979, and it has been produced consistently to this date.

The Jetta was meant as a more conventional trunk-equipped version of the peppy Golf hatchback, and the current Jetta III continues with this same theme. The name of this car refers to the fact that it is part of the third generation, which began production in January 1992.

What's New

The Volkswagen Jetta III comes with an all-new, performance-enhanced model called the GLX VR6, released alongside the Golf GTI VR6. Both models come equipped with a new, V-6 engine for increased performance. All models of the Jetta, from this model year onwards, are installed with height-adjustable front seat belts, emergency tensioners, daytime running lights, and side-impact door beams manufactured to meet 1997 Federal safety standards.

Exterior

The styling of the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta III remains more or less unchanged from its introduction in 1992. The car’s exterior was styled by Herbert Schafer and his team, and it marks a significant shift from the exterior of the second generation.

The third generation looks smoother and it is more aerodynamic than the previous generation. The two-door model was discontinued for the 1995 model year, and the car now has a drag coefficient of 0.32. The suspension system is more efficient, and the car is wider, with a wheelbase of 97.2 inches. The 1995 Volkswagen Jetta III has a width of 66.5 inches and a length of 173.2 inches.

Interior

The dashboard of the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta III is functional and user-friendly, with all controls set up at a high position for easier operation. However, some have criticized certain quirks in the controls, like the windshield wiper control system and the arrangement of the power window controls.

The luggage compartment of the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta III is quite generous, and the glove compartment is removed if a dual airbag system is put in place. The GL models of the Jetta have the most features, with air conditioning, power mirrors, cruise control, and a split-folding rear seat for extra luggage space.

Performance & Handling

The 1995 Volkswagen Jetta III has a base 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 115 horsepower (hp) at 5400 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. The VR6 model is fitted with a 2.8-liter, V-6 engine that delivers 172 hp at 5400 rpm and 173 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. All models come equipped with a standard, five-speed manual transmission, although a four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

The four-cylinder versions of the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta III offer adequate acceleration from a standstill, and they are quite lively on the road. Passing power is decent, and the automatic transmission offers swift and prompt downshifts too. However, the five-speed manual offers a more impressive acceleration rate and better fuel economy.

All versions of the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta III have improved tremendously with this new generation. The constant thumping of the tires and suspension are no longer present, although tire noise is still audible at high speeds and the exhaust tends to sound louder while cruising. Handling is quite good, and rather sports-like considering the conventional looks of the Jetta.

Safety

The Volkswagen Jetta III earned three out of five stars for driver and passenger safety during frontal-impact crash tests conducted by the NHTSA.